This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. Venerable John Henry Newman gave a profound reflection about Christ’s going to the Father:

“Christ’s going to the Father is at once a source of sorrow because it involves his absence, and of joy because it involves his presence. And out of the doctrine of the resurrection and ascension spring those Christian paradoxes, often spoken of in scriptures, that we are sorrowing but always rejoicing; as having nothing yet possessing all things. This, indeed, is our state at present; we have lost Christ and we have found him; we see him not, yet we discern him…”

I think about this mystery in relation to my parents. Since their deaths, I have not been granted to see or hear them, but I feel a deeper closeness. I do not imagine that they are observing my life, like some kind of soap opera. They now have something much more interesting than my little ups and downs, plus they no longer experience the passage of time as we do. Still, in relation to God, they do intercede for me and others. I can ask them for that and, by my prayers and little sacrifices, I can help them in whatever purification they still might experience. Of course, all this is a great mystery – much greater than the mysterious ways we experience closeness and separation in this life.

Many of you have similar feelings about deceased parents and other loved ones. For that reason I appreciate your joining me in honoring my parents through the Mary Bloom Center. Last Sunday, which was Mother’s Day, we took up a two-bit collection for the Center, named in honor of my mom. I appreciate your generosity. You can see the results in the Stewardship section of the bulletin.

Also in the Stewardship section, besides the weekly collection to support the ongoing work of our parish, you can find the results of the Annual Catholic Appeal. We are doing very well this year. I deeply appreciate your pledges. The Annual Catholic Appeal expresses our catholicity. We are not an isolated congregation, but part of a greater Church which realizes important works such as the formation of young people and seminarians, care for the needy, as well as taking care of those who have served the Archdiocese, such as infirm priests. Next weekend the bulletin will contain a list of those who have donated. If you haven’t yet turned in your pledge envelope, please drop it by the office early this week so it can be included in that list. The purpose of this list is to make sure we have accounted for every pledge – and to encourage those who have not yet made their commitment.

These coming weeks we have many activities in our parish school, as the academic year nears its conclusion. Please pay careful attention to Principal Glen Lutz’ column. We have had a good year. The participation of parents in school activities, such as the auction, has been outstanding. Also, this year we have been deeply involved in the accreditation process. It has helped us focus our mission and deepen the Catholic identity of our parish school. This process will continue over the summer and into the fall of the 2007-2008 school year. The ultimate purpose of our school is the Christian formation of each student – and to support their parents in that work. Here is a picture of our Eighth Grade class. We pray for them and for all our young people who are making transitions during the coming weeks.

Finally, a prayer for Fr. Ramon. He made it safely to the Philippines and is now visiting family members there. He told me he might be bringing back a little surprise for the parish. We will see when he returns on June 5.

Tuvimos una linda celebración de Confirmación y del Día de la Madre el domingo pasado. Aquí hay una foto del Monseñor Eusebio Elizondo con unos hombres sospechosos. El Obispo Eusebio dio una homilía que tocó a los jóvenes y a todos los participantes en la misa. Después de la misa el obispo se reunió con varias familias, incluyendo a las que están afectadas actualmente con la situación de imigración. Como ustedes saben, durante el mes de mayo estamos rezando y ayundo (especialmente en los dias miercoles) por una reforma justa y misericordiosa de las leyes de imigración. El obispo también tocó este punto, indicando lo que los obispos están haciendo para promover esta reforma necesaria. Y durante la convivencia en la tarde, como era Dia de la Madre, tuvimos lindas presentaciones por varios niños en honor de las mamás de nuestra comunidad. Hay otras imágenes por Internet a: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2964/diadelamadre2007.html

Un agradecimiento a todos que trabajaron duro para estas celebraciones – y también un agradecimiento a los que hayan apoyado a nuestros obispos por la Petición Católica Anual. Los resultados están el la parte de “Stewardship” (Mayordomía o Co-Responsibilidad). Finalmente les agradezco por su apoyo por el Centro Mary Bloom, que lleva el nombre de mi mamá. Los resultados igualmente se encuentran bajo Mayordomía.